Minnesota Historical Society
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Daily Experience

Here’s what you can see, do, and experience during regular hours at the historic fort.

September 17 – October 29, 2022

A group of visitors gathers around a tour guide on the grounds of Fort Snelling.

Saturday guided tours

Schedules and programs subject to change.

  • Looking Deeper Walking Tour (60 minutes) — Learn about the archaeology, research, and sources that were key to the work of restoring Historic Fort Snelling and the continuing study of materials that allows us to talk about the 10,000 years of history and the people who lived and worked at the site.
    The tour begins at the fort's front gate and is offered at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12;30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Cost: Regular site admission. Purchase tickets online.
  • A Walk on the Prairie Tour (45 minutes) — Learn about the restoration process and maintenance work, the plants and their significance to Native Americans and the environment, and how the landscape has changed over time.
    The tour begins at the visitor center and is offered at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Cost: $8-12. Purchase tickets onsite.

November 3, 2022 – April 8, 2023

Explore the visitor center

Historic Fort Snelling's Visitor Center is open this winter! Join us Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4pm, November 3, 2022–April 8, 2023, in the restored 1905 cavalry barracks.

  • Hear about the Japanese Americans who served during WWII as part of the Military Intelligence Service Language School and lived in this very building and learn some Japanese yourself.
  • Help pack a bedroll for the 25th Infantry, African American soldiers who served at Fort Snelling in the 1880s.
  • Learn about Bdote, the Dakota homeland where the fort is built and the fur trade business that brought the army here.
  • Discover how doctors could "look" inside the human body before x-ray technology in the building that was once an outpatient clinic.
  • Take the From the Windows Tour from the comfort of the visitor center which talks about the past uses of the 118-year old building as well as what soldiers would have seen from the windows throughout Fort Snelling's history.
  • While you are here, enjoy beverages, snacks and sandwiches available for purchase in the museum store.

Admission is $5/person; Free for members, veterans, and Native Americans + 5.